Effects of Physical Exercise on Cognitive Functioning in the Elderly

Author(s)

Timothy D. Van Sickle, Nova Southeastern University
Michel Hersen, Nova Southeastern University
Edward R. Simco, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Michael A. Melton, Nova Southeastern University
Vincent B. Van Hasselt, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

International Journal of Rehabilitation and Health

ISSN

1068-9591

Publication Date

4-1-1996

Abstract

In this paper, we summarize the effects of aging on physiological and cognitive processes in elderly individuals, discuss the ameliorative effects of physical exercising on these processes, and present a review of previous reports of the effects of physical exercise on cognitive functioning in the elderly. We also underscore issues concerning research design and methodology. Thirteen of 18 studies provided sufficient information for calculation of statistical power and effect sizes. Although these studies included a total of 87 statistical tests, the power exceeded. 4 in only 10 instances. Despite inadequate power, effects of exercise were strong enough to yield significant results (<.05) in 23 of these tests. Of the 87 effect sizes determined by using pre- to postassessment data for the exercise group, 56 fell within the very small to medium range (.04 to .49), and 15 fell within the medium to large range (.05 to 1.59). We conclude that exercise promotes modest changes in cognitive functioning in the aged. Given demonstrated improvements in both physical and psychological health, a sound empirical basis exists for prescription of exercise for older adults.

DOI

10.1007/BF02213444

Volume

2

Issue

2

First Page

67

Last Page

100

NSUWorks Citation

Van Sickle, T. D., Hersen, M., Simco, E. R., Melton, M. A., Van Hasselt, V. B. (1996). Effects of Physical Exercise on Cognitive Functioning in the Elderly. International Journal of Rehabilitation and Health, 2(2), 67-100.
Available at: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cps_facarticles/700